- Creating a ChatGPT account is free — use an email (or Google/Apple/Microsoft), with one phone verification step.
- Two common hurdles in China: network access and phone verification; register with your usual email and follow the prompts. Keep the account for your own long-term use — don’t buy or sell accounts.
- A new account is free-tier only; Plus ($20/mo) is paid. Without a foreign card, use managed subscription to activate Plus in RMB on your own account.
Three things to know first
First, creating an account is free — Plus/Pro is the paid part. Second, sign-up needs an email + one phone verification. Third, one account per person, for your own long-term use is steadiest; bought "ready-made" accounts risk recovery or bans.
Three sign-up methods
| Method | Free? | Stability | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Email sign-up | Free | High | Most universal, recommended |
| Google / Apple / Microsoft | Free | High | One-click, skips email verify |
| Buying a ready-made account | Paid | Low | Recovery/ban risk, not advised |
Email sign-up in 4 steps
- 1Open the sign-up pageGo to chatgpt.com / auth.openai.com and click Sign up.
- 2Enter email & passwordRegister with your usual email and a password (or one-click via Google/Apple/Microsoft), then click the verification link in your inbox.
- 3Complete phone verificationEnter a phone number to receive a code and pass the human check. Each number can bind a limited number of accounts.
- 4Sign in and useOnce verified, sign in and use the free tier. Activate Plus separately when needed.
Want Plus after registering?
The free tier is limited. For flagship models and higher quota you need Plus ($20/mo). Without a foreign card from China, use managed subscription to activate it in RMB on the account you just created, all-in ~¥150–160/mo.
Frequently asked questions
Does registering a ChatGPT account cost money?
No. Creating an account is free; only Plus/Pro membership is paid.
Can I register with a Chinese phone number?
Sign-up needs one phone verification; eligible numbers are validated by the provider. Use your own usual email to register and complete verification, keeping the account for self-use.
How do I use Plus after registering?
Upgrading from free to Plus is paid ($20/mo). Without a foreign card, use managed subscription to activate it in RMB on your own account, all-in ~¥150–160/mo.
Can I just buy an account with membership?
Not recommended. Ready-made/shared accounts carry recovery, ban and privacy risks. Register yourself and activate membership on your own account.
- OpenAI Help CenterAccount registration and verification
- Platform termsActivation method and refund policy